Accidents (5)

Leonie Cooper: How many accidents have there been on York Road/ Battersea Park Rd in the last 3 years? How many involved pedestrians or cyclists?

The Mayor: For the last three years that data is available, 2017-2019, there were 214 personal injury collisions recorded on York Road and Battersea Park Road from York Road roundabout to Thessaly Road (three fatal, 40 serious and 171 slight). Of these, 47 (three fatalities, 13 serious & 31 slight) involved pedestrian injury and 51 (ten serious & 41 slight) involved pedal cyclist injury.
This data is based on incidents reported to Transport for London (TfL) by the Metropolitan Police Service (and City of London Police, where applicable) and recorded in accordance with Department for Transport guidance. A single collision may result in multiple casualties.
Collision information and road safety reports are available on TfL’s website here.
The London Collision Map, which maps personal injury collisions in the Greater London Area since 2005 is available here (data for 2019 will be uploaded shortly).

Accidents (4)

Leonie Cooper: How many accidents have there been on Putney High St in the last 3 years? How many involved pedestrians or cyclists?

The Mayor: For the last three years that data is available, 2017-2019, there were 79 personal injury collisions recorded on Putney High Street from Upper Richmond Road to Putney Bridge (seven serious and 72 slight). Of these, 17 (two serious & 15 slight) involved pedestrian injury and 19 (two serious & 17 slight) involved pedal cyclist injury.
The data is based on incidents reported to Transport for London (TfL) by the Metropolitan Police Service (and City of London Police, where applicable) and recorded in accordance with Department for Transport guidance. A single collision may result in multiple casualties.
Collision information and road safety reports are available on TfL’s website here.
The London Collision Map, which maps personal injury collisions in the Greater London Area since 2005 is available here (data for 2019 will be uploaded shortly).

Accidents (3)

Leonie Cooper: How many accidents have there been on the A24 in Merton in the last 3 years? How many involved pedestrians or cyclists?

The Mayor: For the last three years that data is available, 2017-2019, there were 179 personal injury collisions recorded on the A24 in the London Borough of Merton (three fatalities, 34 serious and 142 slight). Of these, 42 (two fatal, ten serious & 30 slight) involved pedestrian injury and 32 (11 serious & 21 slight) involved pedal cyclist injury.
The data is based on incidents reported to Transport for London (TfL) by the Metropolitan Police Service (and City of London Police, where applicable) and recorded in accordance with Department for Transport guidance. A single collision may result in multiple casualties.
Collision information and road safety reports are available on TfL’s website here.
The London Collision Map, which maps personal injury collisions in the Greater London Area since 2005 is available here (data for 2019 will be uploaded shortly).

Accidents (2)

Leonie Cooper: How many accidents have there been on the A24 in Wandsworth in the last 3 years? How many involved pedestrians or cyclists?

The Mayor: For the last three years that data is available, 2017-2019, there were 367 personal injury collisions recorded on the A24 in the London Borough of Wandsworth (two fatalities, 59 serious and 306 slight). Of these, 91 (two fatal, 25 serious & 64 slight) involved pedestrian injury and 149 (20 serious & 129 slight) involved pedal cyclist injury.
The data is based on incidents reported to Transport for London (TfL) by the Metropolitan Police Service (and City of London Police, where applicable) and recorded in accordance with Department for Transport guidance. A single collision may result in multiple casualties.
Collision information and road safety reports are available on TfL’s website here.
The London Collision Map, which maps personal injury collisions in the Greater London Area since 2005 is available here (data for 2019 will be uploaded shortly).

Accidents (1)

Leonie Cooper: How many accidents have there been on Tooting Bec Rd in the last 3 years? How many involved pedestrians or cyclists?

The Mayor: For the last three years that data is available, 2017-2019, there were 56 personal injury collisions recorded on Tooting Bec Road (11 serious and 45 slight) between Balham High Road and Ambleside Avenue. Of these, four (three serious and one slight) involved pedestrian injury and 11 (one serious and ten slight) involved pedal cyclist injury.
The data is based on incidents reported to Transport for London (TfL) by the Metropolitan Police Service (and City of London Police, where applicable) and recorded in accordance with Department for Transport guidance. A single collision may result in multiple casualties.
Collision information and road safety reports are available on TfL’s website here.
The London Collision Map, which maps personal injury collisions in the Greater London Area since 2005 is available here (data for 2019 will be uploaded shortly).

Officer Personal Safety Training

Unmesh Desai: How many hours personal safety training do serving Met officers receive each year?

The Mayor: Officers up to the rank of Chief Inspector (or if the operational role requires it at higher rank/level) are currently required to attend 2 shifts (7 hours per shift) of Officer Safety Training/Emergency Life Support training each year.

Cycle Route

Leonie Cooper: Just past Colliers Wood tube station, heading towards South Wimbledon on the A24, the cycle route has a dangerous stretch near the bus garage. Does TfL have any plans to improve this stretch?

The Mayor: As part of my London Streetspace Plan, Transport for London (TfL) has introduced temporary protected cycle tracks between Balham and Colliers Wood. These changes have been introduced to enable more people to cycle whilst social distancing restrictions are in force.
TfL is also working closely with the London Borough of Merton on potential changes on Merton High Street, which connects to the A24. These changes would address the section you mention near the bus garage.

Law Commission Hate Crime Reforms

Unmesh Desai: Will the Met, or any of its individual officers, be providing evidence to the Law Commission’s work in reforming hate crime legislation, in relation to introducing misogyny as an offence?

The Mayor: I take a zero-tolerance stance to hate crime in all its forms. I welcome the Law Commission’s work to explore how legislation can be more effective at protecting women.
I have been informed that the Law Commission will be meeting with Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton from the Police Service of Northern Ireland to discuss this in late October. ACC Hamilton, Hate Crime lead for the NPCC, will be seeking the views of other national police services’ Hate Crime leads on the reform proposals and collate these views for feedback to the Law Commission – this is when the MPS will have an opportunity to feed into this important piece of work.

Quieter Neighbourhood Schemes

Susan Hall: Is the Mayor concerned that the Bowes Quieter Neighbourhood Scheme that TfL provided funding for will force more cars onto the A406 North Circular Road increasing pollution in an already poor air quality area?

The Mayor: Funding for the Bowes Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) formed part of a package announced by the Secretary of State for Transport in May as an emergency response to the coronavirus pandemic. In the emergency funding settlement Transport for London (TfL) received, the only money made available to TfL to share with London local authorities was for the express purpose of supporting measures to enable more walking and cycling, including low traffic neighbourhoods, to ease pressure on public transport and prevent a spike in car use. The allocation of all funding was jointly agreed by TfL, City Hall, DfT and No.10.
Changes to all road layouts and access points inevitably take some time to bed in. Following the introduction of the Bowes LTN, TfL has been monitoring bus journey times and traffic data to determine if any signal timing changes or additional measures are required in response to the scheme. Real-time network monitoring has shown that impacts on the A406 North Circular Road in the early weeks have been minimal and have not required any significant changes to alter capacity. Furthermore, TfL is now reviewing more extensive data on bus journey times that has been recorded over the past few weeks. This work is ongoing and will give a better understanding of any impacts, in conjunction with continued network monitoring.
From the evidence of LTNs in other areas of London, we have seen that, once road users adjust, nearby main roads end up with similar levels of traffic as before implementation, while the area inside the scheme benefits from a huge proportion of motor traffic being removed. Our evidence shows that LTNs support a mode shift away from car use and do not simply displace traffic to surrounding streets.

Public Health England

Andrew Dismore: Have you had any discussions with the Government regarding the scrapping of PHE? If so have you emphasised that this is a kick in the teeth to the economy and provision of jobs in Barnet, given how many employees based in their Colindale centre are local residents?

The Mayor: I have written to the Secretary of State to express my concern regarding the reorganisation of PHE during the ongoing public health emergency. The new structures will not be in place until spring next year. The full impact and detail of the reorganisation is not yet clear.
I meet weekly with the Regional Director for PHE London and regularly with Baroness Dido Harding, Chair of the new National Institute for Health Protection. I will continue to advocate in all my meetings with PHE leadership, including Baroness Harding, that jobs should be protected.

Staff absence rates

Shaun Bailey: Please provide a month-by-month breakdown of staff absence rates in percentages due to COVID-19 (including self-isolation) for March 2020, April 2020, May 2020 and June 2020 for Transport for London, the Metropolitan Police and the London Fire Brigade.

The Mayor: Please see below the requested information on staff absence rates:

London Fire Brigade: Month
% Absence due to Covid-19
March
4.58%
April
6.01%
May
2.9%
June
2.67%

Metropolitan Police: Month
% Absence due to Covid-19
March
5.8%
April
7.5%
May
3.45%
June
2.0%
The Metropolitan Police also provided more detailed figures, which are included below.

Transport for London: The figures shown below represent the percentage of planned working days lost to coronavirus related absence (absence due to sickness or self-isolation / shielding). These figures relate to overall recorded absence across all Transport for London employees.
Over 50% of the TfL population are over 45 years old. Within that figure 37% are aged over 50 years old and therefore may be more likely to fall into shielding category.
It is important to note that the average absence rate in London Underground during the final week of March (reference 2020/1744) was 25 per cent, peaking at 27 per cent. Amongst frontline London Underground staff, including train drivers and control centre staff, nearly a third of staff were off sick or self-isolating at this time.
There are certain types of medication that require people to be absent from work if they undertake safety critical roles. In these circumstances, TfL requires employees to be away from work for a period while they adjust to medication.
Overall absence rates recorded in frontline areas exceed those in our Professional Services functions.
Month
% Absence due to Covid-19
March
9.89%
April
18.21%
May
13.50%
June
10.23%
Metropolitan Police: Detailed figures
Absence Rate
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Police Officer
Covid-19 (confirmed diagnosis) - SICKNESS
0.1%
0.2%
0.1%
0.1%
Corona virus type symptoms - SICKNESS
3.7%
4.1%
1.0%
0.6%
Total of above
3.8%
4.2%
1.1%
0.6%
Self-isolation (working from home)
1.7%
3.6%
2.7%
2.3%
Self-isolation (not working)
0.7%
1.4%
0.7%
0.6%
Police Staff
Covid-19 (confirmed diagnosis) - SICKNESS
0.1%
0.3%
0.2%
0.1%
Corona virus type symptoms - SICKNESS
5.4%
5.7%
1.4%
0.8%
Total of above
5.5%
6.0%
1.6%
0.9%
Self-isolation (working from home)
2.1%
3.6%
3.0%
2.8%
Self-isolation (not working)
3.8%
6.4%
4.2%
3.5%
PCSO
Covid-19 (confirmed diagnosis) - SICKNESS
0.1%
0.2%
0.2%
0.2%
Corona virus type symptoms - SICKNESS
6.2%
7.9%
2.6%
0.7%
Total of above
6.3%
8.1%
2.8%
0.8%
Self-isolation (working from home)
1.1%
2.4%
2.1%
1.8%
Self-isolation (not working)
3.1%
5.7%
3.1%
2.2%
Overall
Covid-19 (confirmed diagnosis) - SICKNESS
0.1%
0.2%
0.2%
0.1%
Corona virus type symptoms - SICKNESS
4.2%
4.6%
1.1%
0.6%
Total of above
4.3%
4.8%
1.3%
0.7%
Self-isolation (working from home)
1.8%
3.6%
2.8%
2.4%
Self-isolation (not working)
1.5%
2.7%
1.6%
1.3%

Accidents (6)

Leonie Cooper: How many accidents have there been on Lavender Hill in the last 3 years? How many involved pedestrians or cyclists?

The Mayor: For the last three years that data is available, 2017-2019, there were 124 personal injury collisions recorded on Lavender Hill between St Johns Hill and Cedars Road (one fatal, 22 serious and 101 slight). Of these, 31 (one fatality, six serious & 24 slight) involved pedestrian injury and 32 (three serious & 29 slight) involved pedal cyclist injury.
This data is based on incidents reported to Transport for London (TfL) by the Metropolitan Police Service (and City of London Police, where applicable) and recorded in accordance with Department for Transport guidance. A single collision may result in multiple casualties.
Collision information and road safety reports are available on TfL’s website here.
The London Collision Map, which maps personal injury collisions in the Greater London Area since 2005 is available here (data for 2019 will be uploaded shortly).

Metropolitan Police Service war crimes team (4)

Siân Berry: Has the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) war crimes team been given access to all relevant files held by the Foreign Office, Ministry of Defence and intelligence agencies for their scoping exercise into allegations of war crimes by British mercenaries in Sri Lanka during the 1980s?

The Mayor: The MPS do not comment publicly on matters subject to ongoing investigation.

Streetspace (3)

Susan Hall: How much money is currently planned but yet to be spent in each London borough under the Streetspace Programme?

The Mayor: The total budget for the London Streetspace Programme (LSP) is £56.92m, of which £50.76m has so far been spent (see my responses to Mayor's Question 2020/2838 and Mayor's Question 2020/2839 for further information). Therefore £6.16m remains outstanding.
A breakdown of anticipated borough scheme spend is attached to this answer, showing the Estimated Final Cost (EFC) of projects awarded funding under the LSP. Upon completion of the first phase of the programme in mid-October, boroughs will claim for their final implementation costs, which should not exceed the figures attached. The total commitment for borough-led works stands at £31.78m. This does not include sunk costs.

Wandsworth Bridge Road

Tony Devenish: Do you agree that a traffic displacement scheme which leads to massive congestion, such as the entirety of Wandsworth Bridge Road being full of near stationary cars, is clearly a failure and should be removed?

The Mayor: There are a number of factors currently affecting congestion on Wandsworth Bridge Road, including essential maintenance works on Wandsworth Bridge and reduced use of public transport.
I am supportive of the objectives of Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s SW6 Traffic Reduction Plan to reduce through traffic on minor residential streets. TfL will work with the Council should it wish to make adjustments to its scheme while retaining the benefits for walking and cycling that were initially set out.

Streetspace (2)

Susan Hall: How much money has been spent in total under the Streetspace Programme?

The Mayor: The total spend as of 7th October on the London Streetspace Programme across borough-led and Transport for London-led workstreams is £50.76m. See my response to Mayor's Question 2020/2838 for a detailed breakdown of spend.

Streetspace (1)

Susan Hall: How much money has been spent in each London borough under the Streetspace Programme?

The Mayor: As of 8th October 2020, the estimated current total spend for borough-led London Streetspace Programme (LSP) highways schemes is £27.75m. Funding is split across the following workstreams: Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, School Streets, Tactical Space Interventions to enable social distancing, and Strategic Cycle Routes. Furthermore, Transport for London has approved a total of £13.2m across all 33 London Local Authorities to cover sunk costs for abortive work undertaken prior to the freeze in funding brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. Funding for borough-led LSP schemes and sunk costs are claimed in arrears; a full breakdown of spend by borough will be provided following the completion of the current funding period midway through October 2020. See my answer to Mayor's Question 2020/2840 for a breakdown of expected costs of physical schemes.
In addition to the above, so far £139,000 has been spent on TfL-led works on borough roads as part of the Central London Corridors Programme within the LSP.
A further £9.57m has been spent on works to the Transport for London Road Network, delivering TfL-led LSP projects across various boroughs. This includes strategic cycling schemes, social distancing measures, traffic signal changes, additional Santander Cycles docking stations, and changes to bus lane hours.

Step-Free Access

Tony Devenish: Will you ensure that for all TfL development projects the adjacent TfL assets, be they Tube or bus stations, include step-free disabled access? Please provide examples of where TfL has committed to this.

The Mayor: I am committed to making London’s transport network more accessible and inclusive.
Where possible Transport for London (TfL) identifies potential opportunities to provide step-free access as part of its development proposals, or to ensure that the proposals allow for step-free access to be incorporated at a later date. TfL is proposing to improve the provision of step-free access at Stanmore as part of its development programme, and it has also included plans to provide step-free access to the Circle & District lines as part of its proposals at South Kensington. TfL’s proposals at Hounslow West will allow for a lift to be installed to improve step-free access at a later date, and TfL continues to explore other opportunities across London.
TfL also works hard to secure investment in step-free access schemes from third party developers through the planning process. This has successfully secured funding to provide step-free improvements in the future to Notting Hill Gate, Paddington (Bakerloo), Surrey Quays and to the Northern line at Elephant and Castle.

Use of Facial Recognition Technology by the Metropolitan Police

Joanne McCartney: How does the recent Court of Appeal decision in Bridges v South Wales Police affect the Metropolitan Police’s use of automated facial recognition technology?

The Mayor: The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) is in a substantively different place to South West Police (SWP) due to the procedural steps it has taken. The MPS’s Data Protection Impact Assessment (DIPA) and Equalities Impact Assessment (EIA) are comprehensive, and the MPS is confident that these documents address the issues identified in the Bridges case. The MPS is in the process of reviewing its published documentation to see if these can be further improved.
In summary, the judgment did not find that facial recognition deployments are unlawful generally. The judgement, in fact, recognised the legal basis for police to use LFR technology. In relation to SWP’s specific use of facial recognition technology, it found that SWP left too much discretion in its policy documents for individual officers. Moreover, the court found that SWP’s data protection impact assessment was not compliant and that SWP had not given proper consideration to the risk of bias to satisfy the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED).
The MPS believes that, through the DPIA and EIA, as well as through associated policy documents (which are published on the website), it can demonstrate compliance with data protection law and the PSED.

Closed Bus Stops

Tony Devenish: One my constituents recently had to walk the entire length of Oxford Street to find a bus stop that was open for route 94 buses. Why are so many bus stops closed and what impact do you think this has on encouraging people to use public transport?

The Mayor: Route 94 is still calling at the same number of stops in Oxford Street. Westminster City Council did increase footway space for pedestrians and passengers waiting to board services as far as Portman Street. A consequence of this was routes split over two bus stops are now consolidated into one, maybe giving the impression a previous boarding point had gone rather been moved to a different stop close by.
Transport for London sometimes introduces ad-hoc closures of stops and roads to enable planned or unplanned roadworks to take place but, in most instances, this is done overnight to avoid impacts on customers. There have been a few of these recently to allow the Christmas lights to be installed.

Oakley Street (2)

Tony Devenish: What consideration has been given to banning left turns from Oakley Street onto Albert Bridge?

The Mayor: The movement from Oakley Street onto Albert Bridge is straight ahead, rather than a left turn.
There are no current proposals for restricting turns at this junction at present. However, access changes may be considered in the future should cycle facilities be extended along Chelsea Embankment.

Competition Law and Restrictions to TlL’s March 2020 Retention Bonus

Keith Prince: In your response to Question 2020/2534, you state that agency drivers were denied access to the scheme. Before announcing the scheme, did TfL conduct any review of Competition Law and how its Retention Bonus criteria might discriminate against new entrant Bus Operators that might have a higher percentage of agency workers or fewer permanent workers who had not met the scheme’s minimum employment term requirements?

The Mayor: The Bus Driver Retention Scheme is designed to help recruit and retain professional bus drivers in London.
The scheme was aimed at permanent drivers to incentivise commitment to the job, to London bus operators and the industry. With reduced turnover, permanent drivers can provide greater stability and as a result, enhance network performance. Use of agency drivers is more transient as they often provide stopgap cover for staff shortages.
A driver can still transfer between operators using the capital’s Licence for London scheme which allows them to retain their experience and still benefit from the Driver Retention Scheme. The scheme does not dictate who operators should or should not hire, and it is important to note the Driver Retention Scheme is non-contractual.

Thames Clippers (6)

Keith Prince: Why do some scheduled Thames passenger boat operators not enjoy the same commercial operating advantages as Uber Thames Clippers, such as the waving of equivalent pier landing fees?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) distinguishes the river bus services provided by Thames Clippers on the basis that they amount to an all-year-round, fast, frequent (from early morning to late evening) commuter service. TfL continues to support the expansion of the river bus network to riparian areas previously unserved by river boat operators and with much lower footfall than central areas. Our commercial agreements are a mechanism that enables us to support such expansion in order to create a reliable and consistent alternative travel mode to road and rail that’s available at all times of the day.

Thames Clippers (5)

Keith Prince: How much of the financial block grant awarded to Transport for London is allocated to the operation of Uber Thames Clippers?

The Mayor: Transport for London’s (TfL) settlement from the Department for Transport did not allocate specific amounts to individual services, but instead was an overall grant to support TfL’s operation; topping up our vastly depleted passenger and secondary income sources. TfL currently provides a grant of £9,129 per month to Thames Clippers in relation to its RB5 service, which offers a valuable connection between North Greenwich and Woolwich Piers.

Complaints received by the Metropolitan Police Service regarding stop and search (2)

Siân Berry: Following up on a request for information made during the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee on 6 February 2019, could you provide summary data on the outcomes of complaints against police officers in respect of treatment during stop and search during each of the past five years, broken down by whether body worn video was available to inform the complaint proceedings?

The Mayor: It is not possible to provide data on complaint outcomes broken down by whether Body Worn Video (BWV) informed the investigation. A complaint investigation will always include the examination of BWV evidence where that is available. The availability of BWV is recorded in the outcome report of each investigation but unfortunately there is no automated report available which will confirm the total number of investigations where BWV footage was available.

Hammersmith & Fulham Policing and Crime Commission Report 1

Tony Devenish: Do you agree that Hammersmith and Fulham Council’s plan in their Hammersmith & Fulham Policing and Crime Commission Report, to set up a non-emergency crime reporting phone number will overlap with 101, create confusion and risk non-compliance with crime data recording standards?

The Mayor: Neither I nor MOPAC has formally received a copy of the Commission’s report and there has been no consultation with myself or MOPAC on the recommendations. It is a matter for Hammersmith and Fulham Council as to how they move ahead with the Commission’s recommendations and I am sure they will consult other parties as necessary.

Payment to self-isolate (3)

Onkar Sahota: How many workers would be eligible for the payment to self-isolate scheme in London, were they required to and the scheme extended to the city?

The Mayor: The scheme on trial in Blackburn is available to people who are employed or self-employed and receiving Universal Credit or Working Tax Credit.
The most recent government data shows there were 320,000 working people on Universal Credit in London (reported in July 2020). There were 190,000 families on Working Tax Credit in London (reported in April 2020). These families may include multiple working people. The Working Tax Credit figures are provisional.
Given the different reporting periods it is difficult to estimate the eligible workers in London for this scheme, particularly as there may be some interaction with furlough payments. However, we can see that it is likely that hundreds of thousands of Londoners may be eligible for the payment to self-isolate scheme should it be extended to the city.

Santander Cycle (1)

Leonie Cooper: I have received numerous complaints from constituents that many of the Santander Cycle racks are often empty, or almost empty. Why is this and what more can be done to ensure they are full, at this time when many people want to cycle rather than use public transport?

The Mayor: I am sorry to hear about your constituents’ experiences. Transport for London (TfL) aims to provide a balanced service in terms of availability to ensure that customers can both hire and return cycles and there should always be availability within a range of nearby stations.
Following my announcement in June to expand the Santander Cycle Hire scheme, TfL is working hard to install new docking stations in order to keep up with the unprecedented demand.
If you can please provide TfL with further details of the stations you are referring to, the Cycle Hire team will investigate this further.

Wandsworth One-way system

Leonie Cooper: Are works still planned to make changes to the Wandsworth One-Way system, which goes around the Town Hall? If yes, when are they planned to start?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) is supportive of the Wandsworth Town Centre scheme and, subject to funding, it is intended to remain within TfL’s investment programme.
TfL is working with the London Borough of Wandsworth to regenerate the town centre, which will transform the local area for residents and create new opportunities for businesses. TfL will be submitting a bid to the Department for Transport for funding from its Major Road Network investment programme, which is an opportunity to secure essential significant funding for the scheme.
The scheme was scheduled to progress to construction in 2021. However, due to the effect of coronavirus, which caused a pause to the road investment portfolio, this has not progressed. Once funding has been secured, the programme schedule will be updated to reflect the new timescales, and this will be shared with key stakeholders and published on the TfL website.

Women in the criminal justice system 1

Tony Devenish: What work is taking to place to ensure female victims of domestic and sexual abuse do not enter the criminal justice system?

The Mayor: Women’s offending is often linked to being victims of sexual, domestic or physical abuse. Over 60% of imprisoned women experienced these. That is why, in order to prevent women entering or re-entering the CJS, I have made record investment in community support trauma-informed services for these women. This includes £5m for Domestic Violence services. I have also invested in over £9m for services in London’s boroughs and funding, keeping open rape crisis centres. An additional £6m investment is supporting projects including: Response and Rescue, working with women sexually exploited by county lines gangs; the Empower Young People’s Advocates Service, aimed at reducing sexual violence; and Youth Independent Domestic Violence Advocates, who engage with victims of domestic and sexual abuse, presenting at hospitals. My £4.6m investment in two Wrap-Around women offender support services and £400k in a Female Offender Diversion Pilot, are also helping to prevent reoffending by providing tailored individual practical and emotional support.

Streetspace (2)

Leonie Cooper: Will the TfL Streetspace trials continue for the full 18 months as originally notified, or is there any likelihood that they will be cut short?

The Mayor: Most of the projects within my London Streetspace Plan are being implemented under temporary traffic orders which allow projects to be in place for up to 18 months. Most schemes have been a success, but Transport for London is continually reviewing and gathering feedback on the measures on street to ensure schemes are still fit for purpose. As a result, some schemes have now been amended or removed, including social distancing measures in Angel, Cheam Village and East Sheen. There may be further schemes that are altered or withdrawn, based on ongoing monitoring.

Streetspace (1)

Leonie Cooper: A number of people have contacted me about the TFL Streetspace trials in Merton and Wandsworth. Can you confirm that adjustments have been and will be made throughout the entire trials?

The Mayor: Yes. Transport for London (TfL) recently wrote to all those stakeholders who had provided comments about the temporary changes to the A24 to highlight, amongst other issues, a series of changes that have been made to the scheme. These were:
TfL is continuing to monitor the scheme and is listening carefully to the range of views expressed by local people and other stakeholders. Where further changes are necessary to resolve issues, these will be made.

Changes to the operating hours of bus lanes (4)

Susan Hall: How did you and TfL promote the consultation to trial changes to the operating hours of bus lanes and are you satisfied that those affected were well-informed?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) has been undertaking a public campaign to promote these trial changes, including radio advertising, posters at bus stops, letters to affected frontages and online engagement.
While these measures have been introduced quickly in response to the pandemic, I am satisfied that changes have been well publicised, and that affected parties are able to engage with the process as it continues.
As this is a trial, TfL is encouraging feedback from the public to help improve the effectiveness of these measures. Any affected party can submit feedback to TfL via its website: https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/buses/all-day-bus-lanes/. This process is ongoing, and where concerns are raised by local residents and businesses, TfL will review sites on an individual basis.

Grosvenor Road Gridlocked

Tony Devenish: Traffic on the Grosvenor Road westbound approach to Chelsea Bridge continues to be almost invariably gridlocked since TfL’s changes. Will you review, as a matter of urgency and priority, the need for the widened Westbound cycle lane approaching Chelsea bridge, and look to reinstate two lanes of traffic approaching the bridge as before?

The Mayor: The existing cycle lanes on Grosvenor Road were improved in June 2020, as part of my Streetspace Plan in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Light segregation and junction changes have been introduced along Cycle Superhighway 8 (CS8) between Lambeth Bridge and Chelsea Bridge, offering an improved cycling facility, including for people new to cycling.
Following the delivery of this Streetspace scheme, safety-critical works started on Vauxhall Bridge in August 2020. As part of these essential bridge works, temporary traffic signals were introduced at Chelsea Bridge’s junction with Grosvenor Road to safely accommodate the Vauxhall Bridge HGV diversion route and the recently upgraded cycle route.
Transport for London (TfL) is monitoring the recent upgrade of CS8 and the interaction with the essential ongoing works at Vauxhall Bridge. As a result, TfL has implemented a series of traffic signal changes to improve overall performance in this area. Despite this work, longer journey times for motorists on the westbound approach to Chelsea Bridge, particularly during the evening rush hour, are being experienced.
Once the maintenance at Vauxhall Bridge has been completed, journey times on Grosvenor Road and around Chelsea Bridge are expected to improve. This Streetspace scheme will continue to be monitored in line with other schemes on the programme.

Kings Cross Gyratory

Andrew Dismore: As work continues on the Kings Cross Gyratory, will you consider a proposal by local residents to make it a 20 mph zone, as indeed the rest of Camden is? Local residents say this will help make the system safer for pedestrians.

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) and I are committed to reducing road danger for all residents and visitors to London. TfL has a programme to lower the speed limit by 10mph on over 140km of TLRN over the next four years, subject to funding. This includes the introduction of a 20mph speed limit on A501 Pentonville Road, Penton Rise, Swinton Street and Grays Inn Road, which is consistent with the surrounding local road network in both Camden and Islington and will also support additional safety improvements around the Kings Cross area.
As you will know, TfL is in discussions with Government over the funding support it needs following the impact of coronavirus on its finances. I hope that agreement can be reached soon so that vital projects such as these can restart.

PHVs Congestion Charge

Shaun Bailey: How much money has TFL raised from congestion charge payments made by PHV drivers for each month since the exemption was removed?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) does not record the information requested. TfL does however monitor the average number of PHVs seen in the Congestion Charge Zone. This information is published in quarterly factsheets, which are available in the Finance, Operations & Performance section of the TfL website at: tfl.gov.uk/congestion-charge.

Temporary Hammersmith-Barnes Road Bridge

Tony Devenish: What professional analysis did TfL or Hammersmith & Fulham Council undertake on the Beckett Rankine temporary road bridge proposal?

The Mayor: Transport for London’s (TfL’s) expert engineers conducted a thorough analysis of Beckett Rankine’s proposal. TfL concluded the proposal fails in a number of substantive areas, including its proposed footings within the navigable channel in the river, the proposed landing sites in both Richmond and in Hammersmith, the planning permissions required, and unrealistic programme times. For example, Beckett Rankine states that its plan would cost in the region of £5m and could be built within three months. TfL puts these figures at £30m to £50m and 18-24 months respectively.
TfL’s detailed review of the Beckett Rankine proposal has already been shared with key stakeholders, including local MPs, the boroughs of Hammersmith & Fulham and Richmond and Assembly Members, including yourself.
I am sure you are also aware of the views of Hammersmith and Fulham Council on the idea of a temporary bridge for motorised traffic, summarised on their website as: “We’ve looked in detail, with the benefit of access to detailed engineering reports, at building a new road bridge alongside Hammersmith Bridge. The expert advice is that this proposal is not feasible in the space available and at an affordable cost. We are therefore not pursuing this option.”

Cycle Hire Scheme

Andrew Boff: In each year since it was started what were the net costs of the Cycle Hire scheme?

The Mayor: Please find in the attached table, the net costs of the Cycle Hire scheme since it began to date. The success of the Cycle Hire scheme in the current financial year suggests that the gap to break even is closing significantly.

Use of electric scooters in dedicated cycle lanes

Caroline Pidgeon: Electric scooters are currently not legally permitted in dedicated cycle lanes. What steps are being taken to address what many people would consider a legal anomaly? Should ending this anomaly be a far higher priority than trials to allow electric scooters to be used on roads?

The Mayor: The use of e-scooters is not currently permitted in dedicated cycle lanes or, indeed, on any public highways or pavements in London. The legal position in relation to these vehicles and where they can be used is a national matter and is therefore the responsibility of the Department for Transport (DfT).
The DfT has legislated to allow for trials of rental e-scooters to take place in interested areas across the UK so it can gather evidence to inform any future legislation relating to the classification of these vehicles. The current position is that, once a trial area has been approved by the DfT, rental e-scooters can be used on the carriageway including in dedicated cycle lanes forming part of the carriageway, but not on cycle tracks (whether segregated or unsegregated) or on the footway.
Transport for London is working with the London boroughs, London Councils and the DfT to secure the change in legislation which would allow e-scooters to be trialled safely on all of London’s dedicated cycling infrastructure, including its existing cycle tracks.

MET’s scoping exercise

Murad Qureshi: How many scoping exercises is the Metropolitan Police war crimes team currently conducting, and in which parts of the world do they relate to?

The Mayor: The scoping exercises relate to the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa. Please note a Sri Lankan matter is now subject to investigation.

Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal 2020

Caroline Pidgeon: With the reduction in the number of sellers able to assist with this year’s Poppy Appeal and with the number of passengers travelling through train and London Underground stations significantly lower than in previous years, there are real challenges facing the 2020 Poppy Appeal. What steps are you taking to assist this year’s appeal by the Royal British Legion? Will you also consider the installation of a contactless donation point at City Hall, similar to the TAP London contactless payment scheme to help London’s homeless charities?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) continues to support the poppy appeal by the Royal British Legion. Fundraisers will be present at 10 key Underground and Overground locations, with guidelines in place to ensure that all activity is carried out safely. Contactless payments will be accepted. In addition to the fundraising activity, there will be poppy displays on various trains and at selected stations to raise awareness of the appeal.
Volunteers in Team London have previously supported Poppy Day. We offered volunteer support to the organisers of the event again for this year’s Poppy Day, but they already have a full quota of volunteers due to the nature of the event this year and its requirements of fewer volunteers.
City Hall is currently closed to the public due to Covid 19. We would be pleased to consider a contactless donation point when City Hall is once more able to give access to members of the public.

Public Transport Subsidy

Navin Shah: Do you agree that public transport needs to be heavily subsidised by the government, as is the case in Germany and France, as an incentive to Londoners to use public transport to enable reduce congestion and improve toxic air quality in London?

The Mayor: The Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated that TfL’s funding model with a heavy reliance on fares – 72 per cent of its income, compared to 38 per cent in Paris and 47 per cent in Madrid – was not built to withstand a crisis such as this.
Prior to the pandemic, TfL had transformed its efficiency and financial resilience. It was on a path to break even by 2023. Now, there is no doubt therefore that TfL will need Government support to ensure that it can play its part in London’s recovery in the immediate term and attract passengers back onto its services and I am doing all I can to secure this. In addition, a long term, steady and predictable funding model for TfL is needed to help rebuild our economy and secure jobs across the country.

Changes to the operating hours of bus lanes (3)

Susan Hall: What was the feedback given to the trial changes to the operating hours of bus lanes from passenger representative groups, accessibility and inclusion groups, and road user groups?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) has engaged with various groups as part of introducing the recent changes to bus lane hours. Feedback to date has been diverse and helpful in developing the trial and responding to issues as they occur, including identifying any negative impacts, improving monitoring and evaluation plans for the trial and understanding further measures that could be introduced.
Most stakeholder organisations were supportive of the need to improve bus passenger journeys to reduce the number of private vehicles on the road. Some of the key concerns raised were about the removal of parking and how the changes would impact private traffic. TfL has ensured both of these issues will be considered in its evaluation, and has committed to keeping stakeholders updated as the trial progresses.

Changes to the operating hours of bus lanes (2)

Susan Hall: What further consultation do you intend to undertake with affected Londoners in relation to your plans to trial changes to the operating hours of bus lanes?

The Mayor: The change to the operating hours of bus lanes on the Transport for London (TfL) Road Network, and associated changes to parking, have been implemented on a trial basis, using an experimental Traffic Regulation Order. As is normal for trial changes of this nature, TfL consulted with statutory stakeholders such as boroughs and the emergency services prior to implementation. TfL has also been undertaking a public awareness campaign to promote these trial changes, including radio advertising, posters at bus stops, letters to affected frontages and online engagement.
As this is a trial, TfL is encouraging feedback from the public to help improve the effectiveness of these measures. Any interested party can submit feedback to TfL via its website: https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/buses/all-day-bus-lanes/
This process is ongoing, and where concerns are raised by local residents and businesses, TfL will review sites on an individual basis.

Changes to the operating hours of bus lanes (1)

Susan Hall: When making your plans to trial changes to the operating hours of bus lanes, what consideration have you and TfL made to those Londoners in affected areas who rely on temporary drop-off points to access their homes, for example the elderly and disabled?

The Mayor: Blue badge holders are able to pick-up and drop-off disabled passengers on almost all red routes regardless of the stopping controls in place or the bus lane operating hours. There have been no changes to this policy as part of the scheme, so on roads where bus lane operating hours have been extended, blue badge holders can continue to drop-off and pick up as required. In addition, there has been no suspension of loading bays or disabled parking bays as part of the scheme
The changes to bus lane operating hours on the Transport for London Road Network, and associated suspension of car parking, has been implemented using an experimental Traffic Regulation Order. This allows Transport for London (TfL) to monitor the effects of the changes and make adjustments throughout the trial where necessary and I encourage anyone affected to provide feedback to help shape this trial via TfL’s website: https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/buses/all-day-bus-lanes/.

Initiation of IA 13744

Keith Prince: Internal Correspondence dated 3 March 2014 you provided to me in response Question 2019/19750 shows a reference to a 27 February 2014 Meeting that discussed TfL’s Letter of Engagement with TOL to launch IA 13744. Kindly provide with all notes, correspondence, emails or decision memorandums relating to that 27 February 2014 meeting.

The Mayor: Transport for London does not hold any record of a meeting on 27 February 2014. It is possible that the email refers to a telephone conversation but no notes of such a telephone conversation have been located.

Changes to the operating hours of bus lanes (7)

Susan Hall: Will you and TfL consider shortening the trial periods relating to the operating hours of bus lanes if they were shown to have a detrimental impact on the local community or shown not to reach their intended objectives?

The Mayor: The change in the hours of operation of bus lanes on the Transport for London Road Network and associated changes to parking have been implemented under an experimental Traffic Regulation Order. This enables Transport for London (TfL) to monitor the effects of the changes and make adjustments throughout the trial where necessary. I encourage anyone affected by the trial to provide feedback via TfL’s website, so it can capture a wide range of views and consider any specific issues arising from the trial: https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/buses/all-day-bus-lanes/.

Changes to the operating hours of bus lanes (6)

Susan Hall: What proportion of respondents to the consultation to trial changes to the operating hours of bus lanes opposed the proposals and what proportion supported them?

The Mayor: As is normal for trial changes of this nature, Transport for London (TfL) consulted with statutory stakeholders prior to implementation. This consultation ran from 21 July to 4 August 2020, and TfL received seven written responses from statutory stakeholders, including London boroughs and emergency services. Of the seven responses, none opposed the measures.
TfL is also encouraging feedback from customers, residents and businesses to help improve the effectiveness of these trial measures and is continuing to analyse feedback so that, where necessary, amendments can be made. This analysis is focussed on mitigating any impacts - and respondents are encouraged to explain how the measures have affected issues such as bus reliability, congestion and safety. As a result of this approach, several locations are now under review.

Changes to the operating hours of bus lanes (5)

Susan Hall: How many consultation responses did you receive in response to your plans to trial changes to the operating hours of bus lanes?

The Mayor: As is normal for trial changes of this nature, Transport for London (TfL) consulted with statutory stakeholders prior to implementation. The consultation ran from 21 July to 4 August 2020, and TfL received seven written responses from statutory stakeholders, including London boroughs and emergency services, throughout this consultation.
TfL is also encouraging feedback from the public to help improve the effectiveness of these trial measures. Any interested party can submit feedback to TfL via its website: https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/buses/all-day-bus-lanes/
This process is ongoing, and where concerns are raised by local residents and businesses, TfL will review sites on an individual basis.

Changes to borough cycle funding

Caroline Russell: In May 2020 Healthy Streets funding, including Local Implementation Programme (LIP) funding, for boroughs was paused. Could you, for each borough and programme (Liveable Neighbourhoods, Mini-Hollands, Borough Cycling, junctions etc.), provide details of: a) the investment you have provided to date for 2019-20 and 2020-21, and b) the original announced funding for 2019-20 and 2020-21?

The Mayor: The budget for Transport for London (TfL) funded borough schemes in 2019-20 was c£155m and boroughs have submitted all claims. The full breakdown by borough and programme is in the appendix attached.
The projected budget for TfL funded borough schemes in 2020-21 included the Liveable Neighbourhoods, Local Implementation Plan Majors and Corridors, Crossrail Complementary Measures, Borough Cycling and a number of air quality and renewals schemes. All these programmes are currently paused for the first half of the year.
In TfL’s emergency budget, the funding provided to the boroughs covering the period between March and October was slightly higher than what was originally in TfL’s pre-pandemic budget.
TfL has not yet secured funding for the second half of this financial year, however will be looking to again provide the same level of borough funding as was originally contained in the pre-pandemic budget for the second half of 2020/21. This will not be confirmed until TfL has an agreed package of funding with the government.

Transport for London employee travel plan

Caroline Russell: Does Transport for London (TfL) have an employee travel plan, and have surveys been conducted into the modes of transport used by staff to commute to work? If so, could details of this plan, including any targets and measures taken to reduce car commuting be provided, alongside any data held on employee commuting mode share collected over the past three years?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) encourages staff to walk, cycle and use public transport wherever they can. A number of its office buildings are equipped with showers for those that cycle to work. The Cycle to Work Scheme provides TfL employees the opportunity to enjoy savings on the hire of new bicycle and safety accessories via a salary sacrifice scheme.
In line with current government guidance, TfL asked that where people can work from home, they do so. Those colleagues who are travelling into a work location for business-critical or wellbeing purposes, are advised that they should travel off peak if at all possible.

Protests

Tony Devenish: What are your views on the accusations that the MPS did not give anti-lockdown protesters the same leeway and flexibility as Black Lives Matter, and Extinction Rebellion?

The Mayor: The right to peaceful protest is an important part of an open and democratic society which the Mayor will always support. However, the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) has operational independence on how it polices protests and public order events, while the Mayor’s role is strategic oversight of the MPS. The Mayor does not directly intervene in matters which are operational.
Over the last few months, the pandemic has made managing protests particularly challenging for the police. The frequent review and change in Covid-19 legislation have meant that the MPS have had to adapt to policing protest within the appropriate Covid-19 legal framework.
Comparison of actions at different events is difficult because of the differing circumstances and changes to legislation over the period in question. Some events took place before the legislation changed. Others not deemed lawful dispersed quickly at the request of police, or completed and complied with risk assessments.
The number of arrests have varied across different protests. More than 900 people have been arrested for offences associated with protest including events in the name of Extinction Rebellion, Black Lives Matter and other groups. Approximately 77 people were arrested for Anti-Lockdown Protests.
Recent Anti-Lockdown protests in Trafalgar Square on the 19th and 26th September 2020 were dispersed because in each case either the risk assessment was not sufficient or it was not adhered to on the day and reasonable measures were not taken. As a result, the assemblies became unlawful. Officers repeatedly attempted to persuade the organisers and those involved to disperse in line with the 4 E’s approach but were met with extreme hostility and violence when doing so. As a consequence, those officers were required to use force to disperse the crowd.

Metropolitan Police Service war crimes team (1)

Siân Berry: Could you tell me: a) how many officers and staff are assigned to the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) war crimes team, b) the budget assigned to the MPS war crimes team, c) how many scoping exercises they have carried out and are currently carrying out and, d) which Government departments the war crimes team is working with for their investigation into British mercenaries in Sri Lanka?

The Mayor: There are 16 officers and staff are assigned to the War Crimes Team. The team are able to call upon the full range of CT Policing (CTP) capabilities and additional support as needed.
The War Crimes Team is part of CTP and funded from CT grant. It is not possible to readily disaggregate expenditure from the grant relating to this specific function.
Currently there are 19 matters subject to scoping. Scoping guidelines can be found on the CPS website.
The MPS do not comment publicly on matters subject to ongoing investigation.

Brownhill Road/Torridon Road Junction

Caroline Pidgeon: In answer to Question 2020/0990 you stated: “Transport for London (TfL) has plans to improve the junction between Brownhill Road and Torridon Road. Design work on a new pedestrian crossing at this junction is almost complete and there will be engagement with local people in the coming months, ahead of construction starting later this year.” Please can you give an update to the local community as to when exactly this junction will be made safer and accessible for pedestrians. Please also provide an exact date for construction work.

The Mayor: My reply to Mayor’s Question 2020/0990 back in March stated that construction would start later this year, following local engagement and the completion of design work, to improve the junction between Brownhill Road and Torridon Road. Unfortunately, the temporary financial agreement with Government, which is in place until October 2020, does not provide the funding to carry out this type of work.
The request for funding for the remainder of the financial year does include a request to fund schemes such as these and I hope that an agreement can be made with the Government to enable work on the design for improvements at this junction to complete.

Temporary Hammersmith-Barnes Ferry

Tony Devenish: Does the temporary ferry between Hammersmith and Barnes require a full tendering process and, if so, what consideration has been given to classifying the situation as an emergency to allow that process to be circumvented?

The Mayor: On 1 October, the Hammersmith Bridge Taskforce, convened by Baroness Vere at the Department for Transport (DfT), determined that a ferry service across the river would be the preferred transport solution to deliver a crossing for residents in the short term.
Given Transport for London’s experience with operating services and infrastructure on the Thames, it has been supporting the Taskforce in looking at how quickly such a service could be procured, while ensuring value for money and operational and safety requirements are properly addressed. Without Government funding, TfL cannot commit any further resource to this project. My Deputy Mayor for Transport asked for a small amount of funding to be released by DfT at the Taskforce on 8 October and received assurances thus would be forthcoming. She followed up in writing on 12 October in a letter letter to Ministers setting out the impact on delivery timescales should this not happen - to date no money to convene a project team has been provided. Ministers must now confirm funding so TfL and other members of the taskforce can progress and deliver a solution that communities and business on both sides of the river desperately need.

Abstracked Solutions March 2014 Audit of TOL’s Safety Management System

Keith Prince: In your response to Question 2020/0971 you state "The Abstracked Solutions report was requested during the audit on 18 June 2014 and was provided by Tram Operatons Limited (TOL) to the Transport for London (TfL) auditor who read it. The conclusions of the report were noted and the report was returned to TOL.” Please provide me with a copy of this 18 June 2014 request and any documentation, emails or notes evidencing your statement that "the conclusions of the report were noted by the TfL Auditor who read it.”

The Mayor: The request was made in person during the site work for the audit and as such no record of the request exists. The conclusion of the auditor is recorded in the audit report for 13 744, a copy of which was shared in my response to Mayor’s Question 2019/20159. The auditor’s audit programme (question set) which records the auditor’s site notes for audit 13 744, section 4 records the auditor’s observations on seeing the AbsTracked report under question 31. A copy of the audit programme was previously shared in my response to Mayor’s Question 2019/12003.

Victim-Blaming Statements reflected in TfL’s Bus Safety Data Release

Keith Prince: An analysis of the fatalities shown on TfL’s Bus Safety Data Release contains victim-blaming statements like “A male pedestrian stepped on to the crossing at Edmonton Green Bus Station without looking to their right as a bus was approaching” to describe the case of a pedestrian killed by a Go Ahead 191 Bus in February 2020 in Edmonton and "A bus collided with a male pedestrian. The pedestrian walked out from between parked cars and appeared to be looking in the opposite direction” to describe the case of an elderly man killed by a Stagecoach 167 Bus in Redbridge in December 2019. Both cases (and many more victim-blaming reports found in the spreadsheet) show that they are still “Awaiting Inquest”. Where is this information coming from? Do you think it is proper for TfL to be publishing anything about any victim killed by a TfL Bus before a Coroner’s Report has been issued?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) includes descriptions of what is understood to be the circumstances of an incident as part of its regular bus safety data release. The publication makes it clear that the inquest is awaited and is updated when the outcome is received.
TfL’s intention in publishing these details alongside the wider dataset is to be as open and transparent with the public as possible and to release information in a timely manner. However, TfL will review the wording used to describe an incident prior to any inquest taking place and update the publication accordingly.

Stop and Search

Susan Hall: The Government have announced that the Police could get powers to stop and search convicted knife offenders without further suspicion. Will this be useful in tackling violence in London?

The Mayor: I am currently responding to the government consultation on the proposed introduction of Serious Violence Reduction Orders. I welcome the potential benefits of this new Police power for tackling knife crime and violence in London. Knife crime devastates lives and communities. Whilst this new power could be useful to the police in tackling repeat offenders it will not be effective on its own and any new power needs to be tested to ensure it doesn’t have unintended consequences or lead to an increase in indiscriminate stop and search.
Ultimately, what we need more than anything to tackle violent crime is a cross-government strategy and serious investment in tackling the root causes of violence, with ministers reversing cuts to youth services and provisions.

20 November 2017 Email RE: “Tramlink 2014 Report” from Head of CIRAS to HSE Head

Keith Prince: Further to your response to Question 2020/1099, please provide me with a copy of an email dated 20 November 2017 re “Tramlink 2014 Report” and all related email communication related to this email exchange between the (then) Head of CIRAS and the (then) Head of HSE.

The Mayor: I have asked Transport for London to search for the email referred to and TfL will respond directly to you.

Vauxhall Bridge Road (1)

Tony Devenish: How long before the closure of Vauxhall Bridge Road did TfL decide the closure was necessary?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) had been developing plans to undertake the required safety-critical work on Vauxhall Bridge for a number of months and had discussed initial requirements with local authorities in early 2019. Following confirmation earlier this year of emergency funding from central Government to enable the work, TfL updated its traffic management plans in late June and began discussions with the affected local authorities (Lambeth, Wandsworth and Westminster) in early July 2020. The arrangements for traffic management and diversion routes for buses and general traffic are complex and important to get right, and so took a number of weeks to agree.
To minimise disruption throughout this essential work, Vauxhall Bridge has been kept open for pedestrians and cyclists travelling in both directions and for buses travelling southbound.
Please also see my responses to Mayor’s Questions 2020/2886 and 2020/2887.

Vauxhall Bridge Road (2)

Tony Devenish: How and when were residents notified of the closure of Vauxhall Bridge Road?

The Mayor: Residents in close proximity of Vauxhall Bridge on both sides of the river were informed in writing ahead of the closure of Vauxhall Bridge for safety-critical repair work. A letter was distributed to 3,465 addresses on 4 August 2020.
The letter was part of a comprehensive communications campaign delivered ahead of these changes. From 23 July 2020, Transport for London (TfL) also wrote to local councils and raised awareness about the works through a range of other channels including a dedicated travel advice webpage, updates to TfL webpages and online travel tools, emails to bus customers, drivers and the freight and taxi and private hire industries, information in TfL’s weekend travel update emails, a press release, publicity at local bus stops, and integration through mapping apps.

Vauxhall Bridge Road (3)

Tony Devenish: Do you think that residents received sufficient notice of the closure of Vauxhall Bridge Road?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) wrote to residents on the 4 August and work commenced from 20:00 on Sunday 9 August 2020. The local boroughs and emergency services were consulted from early July on the traffic management plans.
TfL always aims to give residents as much notice as it can in advance of any work to its road network.
The waterproofing work on Vauxhall Bridge is complex and required coordination to manage and agree diversions for buses and other local traffic between TfL and three local authorities (Lambeth, Wandsworth and Westminster). Once this had been agreed, TfL then informed residents at the earliest opportunity.
The letter was part of a comprehensive communications campaign delivered ahead of these changes. From 23 July 2020, TfL also wrote to local councils and raised awareness about the works through a range of other channels including a dedicated travel advice webpage, updates to TfL webpages and online travel tools, emails to bus customers, drivers and the freight and taxi and private hire industries, information in TfL’s weekend travel update emails, a press release, publicity at local bus stops, and integration through mapping apps.

Campaign Company

Tony Devenish: In early 2020 Hammersmith & Fulham Council commissioned the Campaign Company to talk to residents about Cycleway 9. Since then the Council has repeatedly refused to release data from the Campaign Company’s investigation into Cycleway 9, including residents’ feedback. Given your oft-repeated commitment to transparency, will you urge the Council to release this data?

The Mayor: The Resident's Commission is an initiative led by LB Hammersmith & Fulham (LBHF). The Council recently informed Transport for London (TfL) that the work of the Resident’s Commission has not yet concluded and there are further activities planned to be undertaken.Once the Council has completed this work, I am sure that they will set out how they intend to share the outcome of this work to the local community. TfL will, as ever, be on hand to assist in any way they can.

Speakers Corner

Tony Devenish: I have been contacted with concerns that Christian Preacher, Hatun Tash has been banned from Speakers Corner after threats were made against her life. Do you agree that the police should help protect free speech and debate in this country and not allow those who wish to prevent it to obtain what they want through police action or inaction?

The Mayor: Regarding Hutan’s case, Met officers have informed me of the following:
It is routine for Royal Parks Police Officers to review events at Speakers Corner and consider if an individual has over stepped the mark of what is lawful, or within the traditions of this historic location.
As you know, freedom of speech is a principle that I hold dear. One of the best things about London is the fierce way in which we protect this right and people’s ability to exercise it. However, as I’m sure you will appreciate, the police have to balance this right with managing behaviour that could lead to public disorder. It is crucial that healthy debates do not lead to violence, and I support the rights of police officers to remove individuals in order to prevent a breach of the peace.

Metropolitan Police Service war crimes team (5)

Siân Berry: Has the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) war crimes team been able to question David Walker, co-founder of the mercenary group Keenie Meenie Services, for its scoping exercise into allegations of war crimes by British mercenaries in Sri Lanka during the 1980s?

The Mayor: The MPS do not comment publicly on matters subject to ongoing investigation.

Tube Noise

Tony Devenish: At the last Transport Plenary there was cross-party agreement that excessive Tube noise is an unacceptable blight and yet like ‘Groundhog Day’ it never seems to end. A recent letter from Andy Lord suggested that TfL could not prioritise dealing with Tube noise. Do you recognise that TfL has a duty of care to deal with excessive Tube noise and that its importance must not be diminished or downgraded?

The Mayor: Tube noise remains a priority for me and my Deputy Mayor for Transport – who has attended (and indeed convened) a number of meetings on this topic over recent months. I know Transport for London (TfL) recognise the impact Tube noise can have and understand the importance of minimising noise levels for local residents, customers and Tube staff. TfL continues to work hard to achieve this.
TfL continues to monitor noise levels across the Tube network and carries out practical action to addressresidents’ concerns where feasible. TfL invests significantlyin London Underground track renewal and maintenance. This includes a continuous program of rail grinding and track modernisation, as well as a dedicated budget for developing rail noise technology.
Since November 2016, TfL has carried out works in the proximity of hundreds of properties affected by noise, installing thousands of new track fastenings and hundreds of meters of new track, grinding rails, and removing rail joints where they are no longer necessary.
TfL also continues to explore other potential solutions. This includes an alternative rail fastening called Delkor 167 on the Jubilee line, which could reduce in-carriage noise. TfLexpects to have further information on the impact of this product on residential and in-carriage noise levels by spring 2021.
The coronavirus outbreak has had a dramatic impact on TfL’s finances, as a result of the significant reduction in passenger numbers and associated revenue. TfL has had to take a series of very difficult decisions regarding the prioritisation of its investment, focusing on safety and operationally critical work. While this does limit TfL’s ability to commit to long-term and expensive interventions,I can assure you that TfL remains committed to continuing to address Tube noise issues where it is possible to do so.

Metropolitan Police Service war crimes team (3)

Siân Berry: How many members of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) war crimes team are conducting the scoping exercise into allegations of war crimes by British mercenaries in Sri Lanka during the 1980s, and what are their ranks?

The Mayor: Four members of staff, one Detective Inspector, 1 Detective Sergeant and 2 Detective Constables. This has moved from a scoping exercise to an investigation.

Cycle hire

Leonie Cooper: Why is the Santander cycle docking station near Battersea Park Road and Battersea Bridge always empty?

The Mayor: I am sorry that you have not been able to find a bike at your preferred station. Transport for London (TfL) inform me that there are seven stations located close to Battersea Park Road / Battersea Bridge and on average those stations have had at least one bike available for 91 per cent of the time over the past three months. I have asked TfL to monitor this very closely from now on and where possible to look to increase the replenishment of bikes in this area.

Drummond Street

Andrew Dismore: It is impossible to access Drummond Street when travelling from south to north as the right turn from Hampstead Road is banned and the southern end of North Gower Street is blocked off. Will you ask officers to look into the situation here as a matter of urgency and establish a safe way to allow traffic to access Drummond Street?

The Mayor: High Speed 2 (HS2) is undertaking utility works on North Gower Street, including lowering services such as BT and Virgin Media. The traffic management has also been used to allow arboriculture works. The re-opening of North Gower Street is further complicated by the linked HS2 works to install utilities over Euston Road, which is expected this winter. While these works are ongoing, access to Drummond Street, when travelling from south to north along Hampstead Road, can be made by continuing along Hampstead Road to the gyratory at Mornington Crescent/Harrington Square Gardens and returning southbound, turning left into Drummond Street.

Taser 7

Jennette Arnold: Will the Met be trialling or reviewing the new ‘Taser 7’ model, before rolling it out to officers?

The Mayor: The use of force by police is an operational decision and as such is the responsibility of the Commissioner. She determines the training and equipment provided to officers which she does clearly within the confines of the law.
The MPS have a rigorous training programme for all officers who are selected as Taser Officers, which is designed to provide them with an enhanced understanding of the Police National Decision Model and Human Rights legislation, as well as providing instruction on the safe operation of the devices. Officers must also demonstrate 100 per cent accuracy when handling the device in training before they can be authorised to carry the device.